I’d be hard pressed to tell you exactly why I’d never been drawn to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. I’ve been to Tanzania several times and love the country deeply. I’ve seen Kilimanjaro from the air and from the plains below — that iconic snow-capped peak rising above the savannah — and yet I’d never once thought, […]
Two years ago, I was pretty sure my adventure era had come to an unceremonious end. Not in a dramatic blaze of glory. More like… struggling to get out of my car in a grocery store parking lot. I had chronic, debilitating pain in my left hip. Sleeping was an Olympic-level event of tossing, turning, […]
The author recounts a transformative experience at the TransRockies trail race, prompted by an invitation from a friend. Initially intimidated, they found joy in the supportive community and the challenge of pushing limits. This journey led to a deeper understanding of personal capability and the power of inviting others into adventures.
A joyous trail running trip in the Swiss Alps, organized by Run the Alps and led by Mirna Valerio, which was inclusive of slower-paced runners. The stunning scenery, camaraderie, and supportive guides made the adventure unforgettable. Key highlights included picturesque landscapes, flexible itineraries, and savoring alpine treats.
Facing self-doubt and the physical toll of aging, Michele prepares for a demanding hike into the Grand Canyon, having previously completed it 30 years ago with much difficulty. After setbacks including an injury, motivation from friends and realization of her consistent activity help reframe her mindset. Despite enduring mental and physical challenges during the trek, upon reaching the bottom, she releases her self-doubt into the Colorado River. Emerging with renewed confidence in her body and abilities, she reflects on the empowering journey with her fellow hikers, overcoming her past limitations and looking forward to future adventures.
Glenn and I recently enacted a “two week cooling off period” after we finish adventures. It turns out that when we are riding high from our latest amazing experience, we can make somewhat questionable decisions about our next adventure. Case in point, before we had even gotten on our plane departing a recent visit to […]
It’s important to lean into experiencing those things that simultaneously scare the crap out of you…and ignite your curiosity. My recent experience in the Azores was just that!
Moving through the world in a fat body can be filled with trials and tribulations…but it can also be filled with tremendous joy and adventure. I recently needed to remind myself of that fact.
It is my most fervent hope that everyone has the chance to have at least one magical person who comes into your life — at the exact moment you need them — and transforms everything for the better. Bea was that person for me.
On the surface, she was my high school English teacher. In reality, she was the cornerstone of the foundation upon which I’ve built the amazing life I have today. This is not an overstatement.
I was a bit lost after I quit my job in terms of figuring out how to still be a productive member of society. I knew I was passionate about traveling, especially to see the natural wonders of the world, and I wanted to continue working on advancing racial and social justice issues. Sometimes the […]
It’s funny how the simplest thing can unleash a torrent of long-forgotten memories…like the blueberries in my morning oatmeal and my great-Aunt Elmeda. I wonder what will trigger such memories of me for friends and family when I’m gone?
Life requires ongoing renegotiations with our mind, body and spirit. Of late, I’ve been on the losing end of that dynamic. I’ve arrived at a crossroads in my journey toward living a life more extraordinary.
The first time I laid eyes on Argentina, I knew it was a place I had to visit. We had taken a tour boat across the beautiful Chilean lake Todos los Santos (2015). From the boat I could see enticing glacier covered mountain tops in the distance and I learned that if we continued our […]
Tips and observations on traveling internationally during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2017 I saw my first total solar eclipse. I had gone mostly because it was “something to do” and would include a camping trip in Central Oregon, which I’m always up for. I was prepared to be unimpressed (read more about my experience here). To my surprise, witnessing the sun completely blink out in […]
